Construction Cluster

About This Program

The Electricity Program prepares students for meaningful employment in the fields of electrical contracting, design, or engineering. Achieving proficiency in Electricity requires a systematic progression beginning with apprenticeship during high school (Cooperative Education) or upon graduation. Students are placed with local electrical contractors based on their specific skill sets and applicability to contractor business models. Prior to internships or Cooperative Education work, the students are prepared with a comprehensive curriculum based on Massachusetts frameworks and National Standards. See below for full course description.

Electricity Course Descriptions

Course Number	Name	Credit	Grade Level
el101	Electricity Exploratory 9	1.0	Grade 9
el103	Electricity 9	10.0	Grade 9
el200	Electricity 10	16.0	Grade 10
el201	Electricity Theory 10	4.0	Grade 10
el300	Electricity 11	20.0	Grade 11
el301	Electricity Theory 11	4.0	Grade 11
el305	Electricity Cooperative Education 11	12.0	Grade 11
pcn301	CTE Pathway: STEM for Construction	2.0	Grade 11
pcn302	CTE Pathway: Understanding Specifications & Blueprints	2.0	Grade 11
el400	Electricity 12	20.0	Grade 12
el401	Electricity Theory 12	4.0	Grade 12
el405	Electricity Cooperative Education 12	24.0	Grade 12
pcn401	CTE Pathway: Construction Management	2.0	Grade 12
pcn402	CTE Pathway: Renewable Energy in Construction	2.0	Grade 12

Graduates earn up to 300 of the 600 required hours of classroom time and up to 1500 of the 8000
hours of the required on-the-job training time toward their electrical apprenticeship.

Electricity Exploratory 9 

Course # el101 | Credit: 1
This five-day cycle exploratory course introduces grade 9 students to the many different career opportunities in the electrical field. Students will learn what an Apprentice electrician is and develop a basic understanding of what is required to become a successful Journeyman electrician. In addition to employability and safety skills, students will be provided a basic overview of electrician hand and power tools in order to expose them to on-the-job experiences. Integration with science and mathematical understanding is integral as Ohm’s law and electromagnetic theory are discussed. Projects include basic schematic and wiring diagrams, splicing of conductors and installing receptacles, single-pole switches, lighting, and three-way switching. 

Electricity 9

Course # el103 | Credits: 10
This semester-based course will introduce students to the required safety concepts, mindset, tools, equipment, and business practices of the electrical contracting trade. Potential specialization within the electrical field is discussedandconceptsintroducedduringtheexploratoryperiodarefurtherreinforcedfortheremainder ofthe year. Tool skills are honed and practiced, and preparing readiness for the Sophomore year is a main focus. 

Electricity 10 

Course # el200 | Credits: 16
This full-year course introduces students to residential wiring and circuitry. Emphasis is placed on proper wiring techniques and the National Electrical Code (NEC). Wiring methods include non-metallic sheathed cable, metal clad cable, electrical metallic tubing, rigid non-metallic conduit, and surface metal raceway. Safety precautions include lock out tag out procedures, the proper use of tools and other potential hazards. This course is based on Massachusetts 237 CMR 22.01 Hours of Education Required as a Prerequisite to Sit for Journeyman Examination and includes: DC theory; AC theory; NEC application of AC and DC theory; electrical bonding and grounding; ground path theory; conductor selection; overcurrent protection; wiring methods; low voltage systems; use of NEC tables and examples; Massachusetts Electrical Code and Amendments; conduct of electricians; job site and electrical safety. 

Electricity 10 Theory 

Course # el201 | Credits: 4
This full-year, classroom-based course introduces students to basic wiring diagrams, project specification sheets, and materials identification. Students will learn the proper use of lines and symbols, specifications, construction materials: types and uses. Students will also deepen their understanding of the purpose, layout, and navigation strategies of the National Electrical Code. 

Electricity 11 

Course # el300 | Credits: 20
This full-year course focuses on live work as opposed to projects completed in the career program setting at workstations and with projects on and off campus. Emphasis is placed on proper wiring techniques and the National Electrical Code. Focus points include hands-on wiring of single-phase installations used in residential construction. Wiring methods and trade academics will include non-metallic sheathed cable, metal clad cable, electrical metallic tubing, rigid metal conduit, surface metal raceway, and rigid nonmetallic conduit, application of the National Electrical Code; services, branch circuits, electrical bonding and grounding, and low-voltage systems and controls. 

Electricity Theory 11 

Course # el301 | Credits: 4
This full-year, classroom-based course formalizes concepts introduced in grade 10 by associating them with the National Electrical Code. Specific practices include sizing wires for various circuits, sizing raceways and conduits to protect wiring, sizing electrical fittings, boxes, enclosures, and selecting the proper materials to complete various projects. Emphasis is placed on navigating the National Electrical Code and applying the correct sections. This course partially satisfies the theory requirement for hours necessary to sit for Journeyman Examination and is consistent with Massachusetts Board of Examiners of Electricians and DESE rules and regulations. (237 CMR 13.00 Eligibility for initial licensure criteria). 

Electricity Cooperative Education 11 

Course # el305 | Credits: 12
This semester-based course provides qualified students with a career technical employment opportunity. The program is designed to allow students on-the-job training by involving them in work that is directly related to their technical area of study. Cooperating employers provide additional training, pays students, and reports their performance to the school for every cycle. Please note that juniors are eligible for Cooperative Education during third and fourth quarters only. 

Electricity 12 

Course # el400 | Credits: 20
This full-year course will begin with a review of all previous courses with an emphasis on higher integration of the National Electrical Code (NEC), with Massachusetts Electrical Code (MEC) Amendments, and apprentice-level quality of work. Students review residential, industrial, and commercial wiring as they participate in on-and off-campus projects. The major focus is on Massachusetts 237 CMR 22.01 Hours of Education Required as a Prerequisite to sIt for Journeyman Examination and includes: electrician math and basic electrical formulas; electrical circuit construction; AC theory; raceway, outlet box, and conductor fill; conductor selection and overcurrent protection; branch circuit/feeder/service calculations; motors, controls, and transformer requirements; use of NEC/MEC tables and examples; swimming pools; one-, two-, and multi-family dwelling calculations; motor calculations; review of Board Rules and Regulations; and a review of Massachusetts General Laws pertaining to the Electrical Trade. 

Electricity Theory 12 

Course # el401 | Credits: 4
This full-year, classroom-based course continues the formalized concepts introduced in grade 11 and expands those concepts by adding National Electrical Code based calculations for various individual circuits, building equipment, and entire dwelling units. Specific practices include calculating circuit requirements for appliances, general lighting, receptacle outlets, motors, and entire building services. Emphasis is placed on navigating the National Electrical Code and applying the correct sections. This course partially satisfies the theory requirement for hours necessary to sit for Journeyman Examination and is consistent with Massachusetts Board of Examiners of Electricians and DESE rules and regulations. (237 CMR 13.00 Eligibility for initial licensure criteria). 

Electricity Cooperative Education 12 

Course # el405 | Credits: 24
This full-year course provides qualified students with a career technical employment opportunity. The program is designed to allow students on-the-job training by involving them in work that is directly related to their technical area of study. Cooperating employers provide additional training, pays students, and reports their performance to the school for every cycle.